I came across this mini-documentary posted on vimeo this evening that helped shed some perspective on a subject I’m learning about. One mans testimony of involvement in the sex/slave trafficking industry. His transformation from an abuser to a protector because of Jesus Christ. This strikes a personal cord for me. Not that I was a slave trader, but an ex-porn addict. The strong connection and demand for pornography fuels the sex/slave trafficking industry on a daily basis. This is all around the world, here in the United States, and in our own backyard. I’m here to reflect the life changing message of Jesus Christ. Check out what that message did for this man.

Jacobs Story on Vimeo

A reflection of myself I needed to hear:

“Your music won’t save you!

Your words and your art will not save you! Not now. Not ever.

Your selfish expressions will not save you.

Why do you think alexpressions.com has been a failure?

Because it was all about you. Has your name on it, it was your thoughts and opinions & you only gave the Lord what was left.

The spare room in your plot.

My heart is disgusted to know what evil I am capable of.

My mouth is poison, my mouth is wine.

My flesh will say there has to be some truth, my heart has to be right, right?

I’m wrong.

I am capable of doing wrong.

I allowed demons to speak through me and my flesh.

This tried to separate me from one that I adore.

I must repent or I’ll live like I’m perishing.

I refuse to be less than God honoring.”

What is a symbol without meaning? A symbol can communicate what words often lack. Symbols cross the borders of language and culture. But a symbol without meaning is worthless! A symbol given meaning can trademark the movement of revolution, resolve and revitalization. In contrast it can represent, chaos, destruction, and affliction.

One symbol that plays a significant role in cultures across the globe…the cross, the crucifix. Those two pieces of wood joined together, commonly used as a means of execution during the roman empire reign. This what Jesus Christ of Nazareth hung from. That’s what the cross represents right, its just what happened? It’s in our church’s, tattoo on our skin, worn around our neck, in honor of him.

I believe the cross we wear so well has been given a bad rap, and those wearing it are to blame.

The cross communicates a message. Well we communicate too, sometimes not as well as a symbol, but we try. Our words, actions, body language all speak loud.

The crucifix intent to represent salvation, freedom and hope to all peoples sounds great! But if we get in the way of that message, what purpose does it serve?

That road raged driver might not see the crucifix hanging from your mirror if your middle finger’s in the way.

I see a culture of people accessorized and desensitized to the world around them. Sporting a symbol of hope, and power around their ‘Do Not Disturb’ mentality. You know those signs in the hotel room? The sign communicates the message clearly, and so do you.

To the church; what does your life message communicate? Your body language, demeanor, expressions, words, actions. Is that message of salvation, hope, and freedom reflected now?

In Luke Chapter nine verse twenty three, this same Jesus said;

“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their [Do Not Disturb Sign] daily and follow me.

Replace the sign with a cross.

Destroy What Destroys You.

Like a prophetic word in scripture this phrase spoke to me like a call to arms! The necessity and urgency to take action and destroy what keeps you and I from living. Didn’t find this phrase in a book, brochure, or museum. It’s simply a graffiti ‘tag’ on top of a loft building here in Detroit. Those words rolled in my head for days, until I applied it to MY life. I began to exercise exactly what it said. The thoughts that kept me caged. The mentality that held me back. Things I had made into my own ‘idols’. Taking the message to heart, and letting the words resonate with me on a personal level. Afterward I told others of this message, slipping into daily conversation and my daily tweets/fb posts. Others spoke of what it meant to them, and wanted to tell others.

In response, is a small piece of art. 1in buttons with the message displayed, to open up conversation, and questions. What does that mean to you? I designed/printed these buttons with two goals in mind.

1. Sell them, raise some money to donate to Youth For Christ Detroit.(An organization that works with kids showing the love of Christ in this city)
2. To spread a simple message that catalyzes positive change & action.